“It was very emotional, as after the operation I had promised to return for at least one game in front of my fans. I could not have asked for more,” smiled the legend. He even revealed Jose Mourinho had got in touch.

“I haven’t been able to read all the messages I received yet, but I also got one from London...”

He had been expected to be out for seven to nine months with this type of injury, but made it back on to the field in just over six.

At the final whistle, Esteban Cambiasso put the captain’s armband back on his fellow Argentine.

“I always knew the armband was in safe hands with Cuchu...”

Even with his extraordinary physique, can Zanetti continue to play on the wing or find a new lease of life in midfield?

“I may well be in central midfield more often, but I haven’t discussed that with the Coach yet. I am just happy to be back and an extra alternative for the team.

“Right now the side is doing very well, I need to find my form, so I can be an alternative off the bench to make myself useful in any role I’m needed. There’s no problem there.

“I have to compliment the doctors who did a great job in helping me to recover.”

Inter President Massimo Moratti joked Zanetti was “born on Krypton,” the home planet of Superman, while Walter Mazzarri called him “the bionic man.”